I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

Every year, on Halloween night, the Norton boys bag up all their Halloween loot and leave it out on the front porch for the Great Pumpkin. Once the the boys are in bed and the house is quiet and dark, the Great Pumpkin emerges from the darkness and sizes up said offering. If he deems the sacrifice sufficient, he takes it with him and leaves some long awaited toy, of one kind or another, in it’s place!

I know. I know. Y’welcome.

Great Pumpkin Tips:

1. If you’re worried about the kids being on board, make it optional. Chances are, they’ll be so curious about the surprise, they’ll be all over the idea. If not, when siblings get their presents, they’ll have at least learned their lesson for next year!

2. Let the kids each pick 5-10 of their favorite pieces of candy to keep! “Live a little, mom.”

3. You could always have the Tooth Fairy come pick up the loot instead of the Great Pumpkin! That’s a pretty practical mythical creature to use in a case like this. . . She could leave money, just like she does for teeth. . .

4. Have the kids write a letter to the Great Pumpkin, the way they do for Santa for an extra touch of festivity!

5. Parents! Be sure to dig through the goodies and hide a stash of your favorite treats before the Great Pumpkin shows up and walks away with all that deliciousness. . . ;)

Happy Halloween!!

**This was originally posted on October 31,2011. It appears here as a revised copy of the original post.

Becky Dawson:
Brilliant! I'll have to remember this when I have kids! What does the Great Pumpkin do with all the loot? October 31, 2011 5:36 pm

stephanie joy:
We did this tonight and I am pretty sure I got the idea from you last year. BRILLIANT! Ambrose finally gets the dang Transformer he has been wanting and I get peace and sanity. HOORAY! And thank you. October 31, 2011 8:24 pm

dolly:
I love it! Would totally do it but luckily Izzy is happy with just a dozen houses of door bell ringing in the first place and loves to hand out candy at the door instead. Secondly, she would be on to me. She asked me about Santa yesterday and I told her the straight up deal and she replied... that's what I thought. I always follow it up with the fact that there really is a Santa in our hearts if we want him there and we can create the magic just like a good mood at a birthday party. She seemed to get it. : ) October 31, 2011 8:31 pm

Marci:
Such a great idea...we'll definitely be trying this next year! November 1, 2011 1:33 am

Tristen Lawrence:
We call it the "switch witch" and she's building a house full of candy and she needs ours. But she pays in toys. Except that this year we ran out of candy for trick-or-treaters and I handed out the extra (beyond the 10 they picked) to the kids. Not sure how we're going to do the switch witch. But the truth is that the kids really don't mind giving up the candy, they like to eat it at night but aren't picky about how much they have in the morning, in my experience. November 1, 2011 2:03 am

Emma:
This is such a good idea. We do a trade program... each piece of candy is like money and there is a little "store" where Etta can use her candy to trade for other treats: little toys, or healthier treats. The great pumpkin idea is awesome! November 1, 2011 6:05 am

jo thomas:
Oh you make me giggle, parenting is a good mix of imagination and cleverness and you have both in spades!! What I want to know is what happens to the loot??!!! Fess up now..... ha ha!!! November 2, 2011 12:28 am

Leca:
You are awesome! I put a link for your idea on my blog. You can check it out here. http://lecaunplugged.blogspot.com/2011/11/halloween-candy.html
Thank you! November 3, 2011 8:58 am

Awesome Halloween Party for kids:
[...] We trick-or-treated for almost an hour, then made a loop by the house to drop off all the little ones. Lia was DONE. She was laying down in the trailer saying “I’m tired…” Max and Ava were ALL about the candy. All in all, it was SO fun! I think Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because I get to have all my favorite people at my house at once. Later that night, after everyone was tucked in bed, Josh came across this fabulous idea on a friend’s blog: the great pumpkin. [...] November 28, 2011 6:45 pm

Holly Brimhall:
We do this every single year, but our "Great Pumpkin" leaves them moola...our kids LOVE money :) October 26, 2012 10:36 am

Kristen:
We save the loot for decorating the kids gingerbread houses at Christmas. Pop it in the freezer and it'll hold until you need it! (Helps for stuffing stockings too.) You could make an advent calendar counting down the days til Thanksgiving (add paper to each pocket to write down things your thankful for), or save them for your Christmas advent (seriously, it's not that far away), or you can donate the candy to Operation Shoebox. They'll take anything (including candy) to send to the troops overseas. Anything that reminds them of home is so welcomed. My brother in law always wanted Skittles when he was in Iraq. (Can you tell I just wrote an article on this?!) haha. We highlighted a version of the Great Pumpkin called "The Switch Witch"- a children's book by Charity O'Neil-O'Kane. So fun. Happy Halloweeeeeen! xoxo October 27, 2012 2:40 pm

Tiffany:
Nat I absolutely LOVE this idea. Is it ok if I put a link for your idea on my blog?? October 29, 2012 9:15 pm

natalie:
Kristen, That is brilliant. LOVE The gingerbread idea! Also, Operation Shoebox. I didn't even know that existed! What a great, great organization!!! November 7, 2012 9:24 am

Trick or Treat : Trade or Troops | WabiSabiSoulBlog:
[...] whimsical, mythical route and introduce your kids to the book Switch Witch or share the tale of the Great Pumpkin. Basically, you leave their loot of candy on the front porch or in front of their bedroom door and [...] October 31, 2013 4:33 am

It was the first thing I noticed. “I’m shaking, why am I shaking?” I thought.

No sooner had I peeled the sleep from my eyes, than they brimmed with hot, knowing tears.

I don’t know what I expected on a day like today. Not much. Certainly not this.

I sat up in bed, still trembling softly through my tears. “Happy third birthday, son,” I silently breathed.

I had known today was coming. She didn’t sneak up on me the way these kinds of days are prone to do. No, Today announced her arrival from down the street and around the corner. I spent the entirety of last week in anticipation.

Anticipation of what, exactly, I’m sure I don’t know.

“One week from today, he’d have turned three.”
“Once the weekend is over, there will only be three days to go . . .”
“The day after tomorrow. . .”
“Tomorrow is the day. . .”

Even then, you still wake up with trembling hands.

And so it goes.

I got the kids off to school (2 hours late), and settled in to cry the day away. You know, like you do on your dead son’s birthday.

Then, there was a knock.

A few deep breaths (and a quick wipe of the nose) later, I cautiously cracked open the front door.

I stared into loving, albeit somewhat reluctant and unfamiliar eyes. A moment later, all propriety fled, and I fell uncontrollably into safe, generous arms.

“I didn’t know what I could do,” she said, eyes wet with tears, “so I brought you the ocean.”

In her outstretched hand she held a candle, deep blue as the California coast.

On a day like today. . . this new friend brought me the sea.

__________________________________________________

And that’s what it’s all about.

Surely, if nothing else, that’s what my son taught us to do. That was Baby Gavin’s legacy. . . bring the sea.

When we bring the sea. . . we give the best of ourselves to the people around us.

We reach to the depths of who we are and offer unconditional love, freely and without requisite.

We give.

We smile, we laugh, we dance, we sing.

We respect and treasure what we have right in front of us.

We let go.

We forgive.

We don’t get carried away by tomorrows or pulled under by yesterdays.

We cry. . . deep, harrowing sobs. . . that crash over us without remorse.

We change.

We connect.

We feel.

We rejoice.

We share.

We serve.

We care.

We embrace.

We reach.

We strive.

We dream.

When we bring the sea, we LIVE, today, because we know that it is the only day that we are truly guaranteed. . .

__________________________________________________

Son, I love you more today than ever before. Loving you taught me how to live. In grief, I have learned more of life than I ever knew I could live.

“Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it. We anticipate (we know) that someone close to us could die, but we do not look beyond the few days or weeks that immediately follow such an imagined death. We misconstrue the nature of even those few days or weeks. We might expect if the death is sudden to feel shock. We do not expect this shock to be obliterative, dislocating to both body and mind. We might expect that we will be prostrate, inconsolable, crazy with loss. We do not expect to be literally crazy.”

There has been much “obliterative” hurt, I have been “inconsolable” and quite “literally crazy.” Missing you has been “dislocating to both body and mind.” I have prayed for your return. I have begged, bargained, pleaded with the Lord . . . to do for me as he did for Lazarus. . . for Martha.

And yet. . .

And yet.

This is my life. There are unique lessons to be learned. Grief has been a mighty teacher, cruel and kind in almost the same breath. And I could never have learned in any other way.

This is my time to LIVE, to laugh, to cry, to connect, to give, to dream. . . this is my time to bring the sea. But YOU taught me that, little boy. Not grief. You.

Until that blessed moment when you are again in my arms, I love you with all of me. . . no, more.

Mom

The quotes in this post are from Joan Didion’s extraordinary exploration of grief, The Year of Magical Thinking. I recommend it to anyone who has ever experienced great loss.

Jamie:
Oh sweet Natalie. The hot tears just rain down for you. I could bring you the ocean today but I've cried and ocean of tears for you and prayed an infinity of prayers for you, Richie and the boys...you my dear are joy personified. Thank you for sharing your life with us, for being raw, truthful and not ashamed of the grief. We all have learned to live better because of your sweet Baby Gavin!
XOXO
Jamie October 24, 2012 4:15 pm

Jamie:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GAVIN!!! I am sure the party heaven throws is a million times more amazing than here, but we sure would have loved to have celebrate it with you, here! October 24, 2012 4:19 pm

lindsay mcbride:
You are extraordinary! I love you with my whole heart. I admire your strenth as I watch you from a distance. Know that I think and pray for you and your family often. You are one of the most beautiful humans I know and I mean that. Love you. October 24, 2012 4:19 pm

Hannah Nicole:
Crying. Sweet Natalie, this is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your heart and being real with us all. My heart hurts for you and your family. Praying for all of you today. xoxo October 24, 2012 4:19 pm

Ann Allred:
Natalie: You are such an example for me! I have been blessedly(?) free of immediate loss in my life: parents, siblings, husband, children, grandchildren, all here and accounted for. But I know loss is coming -- I know it is just a heartbeat, a breath away. And having watched you valiantly, and sometimes wretchedly, move through your experience, I am better prepared. When my times of loss come, I will reach out to you, who have trod the lonely path. I am stronger knowing that your generous spirit will support me. My heart is tender for you and Richie today, just a little more than it usually is. I was going to say the traditional "God bless", but instead, we know "God blesses!" October 24, 2012 4:25 pm

ErinLeigh Cavin:
nat, I love you. fiercely. you are amazing. your strength astounding. your genuine raw openness with others an life invigorating. you give me hope. you give me strength. you give me faith. you open my eyes. I care about you more than you'd believe possible with only meeting you a handful of times. I am here for you. I am praying for you. October 24, 2012 4:28 pm

Kendall:
My heart continues to just ache for you and your sweet family... I started following your blog right before Gavin's passing, having just welcomed my own child a month and a half prior, and I don't believe there has been a day I haven't thought of you since... Once having a child of my own the reality and impact and thought alone of losing a baby left me in SUCH grief for you...On your last visit to San Diego I had hoped you could shoot our family, in part just to hug you... It didn't work out, but I know our paths will cross one day.. You write with such a beauty and eloquence not afforded to many... And your honesty is so appreciated... I'm rambling at this point... But just know hugs are being sent to you from all over this country and likely the world as well.. Its so awesome to be able to continue to read about your family and 'watch' them in sense continue to thrive and grow... Hugs from a Mama who is so impressed with your outlook on life and the ever after... October 24, 2012 4:35 pm

davina:
Natalie, I cannot even imagine what you've been through. The way you've written and shared your story and your grief is palpable and heartbreaking and beautiful and tragic and moving and soulful and so faithfilled. Ypu are amazing! Happy Birthday to Baby Gavin...and for you, hugs x 1000. October 24, 2012 5:15 pm

Kimberly Oyler:
oh sweet natalie.
we have never met. but i had to comment. i had to tell you that even a stranger is thinking about you and your sweet boy today. there is nothing i can say to change the way you feel, but i can pray to our loving God that He brings uncontainable peace and joy to you on this hard day. thank you for being so inspiring and continuing to give life.. even in your loss. October 24, 2012 6:01 pm

Marsha B:
Dearest Natalie ... thinking of you and your family and your precious little boy. I wish I could write such lovely words as you do but please know my heart aches for you. Through your heartfelt words you have taught me so much. To spend that extra time with my sons, to tell them how much I love them .constantly, to let go of those things that really aren't a big deal and to just live life. Much love to you. xx October 24, 2012 6:25 pm

a giveaway in honor of Gavin » Amy Paulson:
[...] a giveaway in honor of Gavin Posted in Uncategorized Today he would be three. I cannot write words as eloquently as his mom, so I ask you to go read hers. [...] October 24, 2012 6:26 pm

Kailey-Michelle:
Today would be my brothers 19th birthday. He passed at 6 months old from SIDS. I spent the day with mu mom who is so strong! While I know it was a hard day, she simply smiled at the candle we had burning for him. He laughed, we cried. We remembered. Thank you for sharing your story Natalie. It's a beautiful blessing to know you're not alone! Xo October 24, 2012 11:13 pm

shari:
beautiful, so beautiful. i know your words, your ability to share the deepest parts of you, have helped thousands across the world...and if that isn't paying tribute to sweet baby Gavin, I don't know what is. LOVE you dearly! You are always in my heart and have changed me forever. xoxo from HB October 25, 2012 7:57 am

Ihilani:
This is truly beautiful and heartbreaking. I can't believe it's been three years. I was about half way through my pregnancy when I heard about little Gavin fighting for his life. Today I look at my daughter and think he probably wouldn't be much different. And I spend a second thinking about what life would be like without her and I can't bear it. That you move through this tragedy allowing yourself to experience every emotion, and still manage to learn the lessons that you've learned and smile and teach the rest of us is a blessing I'll always be grateful for. October 26, 2012 12:23 am

sonya:
its amazing how your little guy is still bringing out the best in people. October 26, 2012 12:46 am

kristin:
Oh Natalie. I want to say I love you but that's a bit crazy because I don't even know you beyond your blog. I just want to give you a hug. Thank you for sharing your innermost self with others. You help me be a better mommy, a better person. You help me be determined to embrace each day even more. Thank you for lifting me even in your trial. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless your sweet new friend who brought you the sea. Angels among us . . . October 29, 2012 10:39 pm

Cyndi:
Natalie, my heart aches for you as a mother who knows loss too. I've lost two baby boys in utero, one at 19 weeks and one at 13 weeks, that I wanted so badly to raise here on earth. I just watched your Generations Project last night and I cried with you as you talked about your little Gavin and as you empathized with your grandmother's losses too. It is something that few will have to go through and sometimes it feels so lonely but thank you for inspiring me to keep going and keep striving to endure this particularly heart-wrenching trial. You have strengthened me, you have given me hope when I haven't had much, and you have shown me that it's okay to ache for what we have to wait through this lifetime to have again. God bless you. November 6, 2012 11:38 pm

natalie:
Cyndi, One more thing, there is hope, so much hope. In fact, it's all we have. Once, when I was in college, I looked up the word hope. One of the definitions is "to expect confidently." AND that is how we go on. . . that is how we keep striving and enduring, even when we feel as though our hearts are going to be ripped from our chests. . . we rest in hope. . . in the confident expectation that we will be with those children again. We will hold them in our arms. We will smell the sweet smell of heaven on their cheeks. We will blow rasberries on their bellies. . . and we will love them, raise them, have them, for eternity. I'm hugging you right now. I hope you feel it. November 7, 2012 9:18 am

natalie:
Kristin, I love you too!!!!! I feel like I know you. I don't think people get that when I read their heart-felt comments, like YOURS, I feel like we're old friends. I feel like I can see into your lives and like I'm a part of them. . . you though YOU sounded crazy. . . ;) And you are right, there are angels among us. I am certain. Love to you, woman! Lots and lots! Nat November 7, 2012 9:22 am

natalie:
Ihilani, Thank you for this. It is so heart warming. Knowing people remember my son, that they think of him from time to time. . . well, it's just the greatest gift a mother like me could receive. Sincerely. November 7, 2012 9:26 am

natalie:
Shari, I love you. You are a kindred friend. Those are rare and beautiful friendships. Even rarer over the www. :) Love love love to you. November 7, 2012 9:26 am

natalie:
Kailey-Michelle, It really is a blessing to know you're not alone. I never want a soul to experience the loss of a loved one, but companionship through this kind of loss is a sacred and treasured gift from God. It really is. Love to your family, N November 7, 2012 9:27 am

natalie:
Marsha, I love this "let go of those things that really aren't a big deal and just live life." Exactly. I need reminding of this too often as well. xoxoxoxoxo! November 7, 2012 9:28 am

natalie:
Kimberly, That prayer of uncontainable peace and joy was absolutely answered. Gavin's 3rd birthday was a day I will never forget. Love and light and laughter and joy were abundant. Thank you for your heartfelt love and concern for us. Thank you for your prayers. Namaste, Nat November 7, 2012 9:30 am

Hailey:
I just came across your blog. I have a seven month old who is not vaccinated and two boys with bad colds and coughs. I immediately called the doctor to get my boys checked and get my sweety vaccinated. Our appointments in an hour. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. November 8, 2012 10:13 am

I love having family close. It is something we rarely experienced over our 12 years in Hawaii.

We have pseudo-family there—you know who you are, and we love you just like the real deal! And (not “but”) it sure has been fun to get to know our blood. . . especially now that they are all grown up and making babies of their own.

These two became parents a few weeks ago. . . remember perfect baby Hadley? It has been a dream to watch Chelsea become a mom. She’s a natural—it’s beautiful to watch. And I’ve been absolutely inspired watching Ben become a daddy. He dotes. It’s breathtaking the way he cares for his girls (yes, Chelsea included), while still kicking butt in medical school. We are so proud of you “Red.”

Here are some images of the two of them—about a year before Hadley Girl came along—doing what they still do best, being blissfully in love.

Enjoy!

Above: Chelsea was only 16 when Richie and I tied the knot, and look at her now!

We spent the last week in San Diego with these crazy kids. It was wonderful. (Eh hem . . . yes, these are pictures from our trip in . . . um. . . MAY—just add an inch or so to the babies and warm up the ocean by a few degrees, and you’ve got the idea.)

I miss the ocean fiercely. FIERCELY. I can’t find words for how it felt to smell that salty air. . . or for how it ripped at my heart to leave.

Steph Lawrence:
Gah Nat these photos are SO. FREAKIN. PERFECT. I cannot wait for wedding 2k13 with you. For a lot of reasons, but largely because it means for sure and 100% I get to see your face. I feel 1000% honored you will be there to share and capture the moment with your magic. You = magic. October 19, 2012 5:26 pm

shari:
oh gorgeous gorgeousnessssss! love the light airy feel of these pics -- and the sweet moments you captrured showing their love. i think my favorite is the one with mama holding baby's hands - standing, waiting for the waves to tickle their toes. i want a pic like that please! next summer?? that's when we are planning our next family pics. ok, so keep a spot open for the Hansons :) xoxo October 19, 2012 8:59 pm

natalie:
Shari: DONE! I saw a picture of your kids the other day on FB, and I could not believe how big they've gotten!!! I can't wait to see them again! xoxo! October 19, 2012 9:21 pm

ellie be:
these are so so beautiful. and authentic. and beautiful. ;) wonderful job. October 19, 2012 10:14 pm

Liz:
Natalie - I miss your blog posts full of awesome and inspiring photos. I know you have probably had a lot more important issues to focus on, but just you know, you (and your photos!) are missed!! :) These are just so great!! October 20, 2012 5:15 am

natalie:
Liz, I'm TRYING to come back. This was a feeble attempt at a reboot. It's just so hard to get momentum going again once it's lost! Thanks for being so loyal no matter what. You are my favorite. xxoo! October 20, 2012 9:02 am

My episode of The Generations Project won an Emmy last night in the Human Interest category. Pardon the above screen shot of someone else’s cell phone picture, but metaphorically, it’s the perfect example of how last night felt— a blurry moment in the middle of someone else’s dream. It was surreal to say the least. Wonderful, yes, and totally surreal.

This morning, I woke up to this face. I woke up to real life, and that moment wasn’t blurry and surreal. It was perfectly clear. . . and exquisitely beautiful. . . and filled with real life joy—real life joy that is at least a thousand times more wonderful than all the pretty shoes, fancy dresses and yes, even Emmy awards, the world over.

Over the last 8 weeks, I’ve been really sick. I mean very, very, ill. (No, I’m not pregnant, promise). Because of this, I’ve had to retract from nearly every facet of my life that doesn’t require my absolute presence. Essentially this equates to every ounce of my available energy being focused solely on breathing in and out and loving on my children—there hasn’t been any time left for blogging, shooting, writing, (cleaning, eh hem) . . . or running around like a glorified chicken with her head detached and tucked pridefully under her wing.

And guess what? I finally remember.

I remember that life isn’t about anything except for what’s right in front of you. Oxygen—breathing it in and out, all day long. People—loving them with every last beat of your heart. God—trusting his will and timing, even and especially when it’s confusing and seemingly unfair. Everything else is merely peripheral to what matters most. No, everything else MUST exist solely to SUPPORT the things that matter most.

None of this to say that Emmys (and fancy shoes) aren’t amazing! Last night really was a dream, not to mention an incredible honor! But waking up to that drippy, freckle faced, little boy reminded me, for the trillionth time, that if I want to not only survive but THRIVE in this thing called life, I have to turn down the volume on the things that matter least and emphatically embrace the things that matter most, for therein lies real life joy.

PS. Speaking of fancy shoes, I couldn’t walk in mine. I may be the only person in history ever to walk up on stage to accept an Emmy. . . in bare feet. (Just keepin’ it real.)

Jeanette:
What an honour! Well done!! And well done too, for keeping real. Glad you're not that ill anymore October 7, 2012 12:13 pm

Jaye:
Was wondering where you'd run off to! Hope you are feeling top notch soon, and congratulations on your incredible achievement. Well deserved! October 7, 2012 12:19 pm

Laura:
"...if I want to not only survive but THRIVE in this thing called life, I have to turn down the volume on the things that matter least and emphatically embrace the things that matter most, for therein lies real life joy." I can't even tell you how much that speaks to my heart.
Congratulations on your Emmy - that is SO exciting!! October 7, 2012 12:42 pm

Dolly:
This message is just as inspiring-- more so than some of the conference session that I am also listening to right now. :) Very REAL indeed. I love how you use the minimum of words to say so much. Still--I want to see a photo of those bare feet and the dress. Are you still sick? Hope you are all better. XO October 7, 2012 2:29 pm

Rachel Bennett:
I love that you went barefoot. SO YOU! i love that you got that honor and that you love real life more. I love you! you are the best! October 7, 2012 5:10 pm

shari:
barefoot and fabulous! you truly have a gift for speaking truth. i love reading your inspiring words and am in awe of you always. i saw a guy walking across the street this morning - barefoot (no, not homeless...just a beach town!) - and I thought of your comment about forgetting your shoes and going to walgreens. ha! now envisioning you on stage, accepting an Emmy barefoot, makes my heart swoon! you are awesome Natalie! xoxo from HB October 7, 2012 6:03 pm

Melissa:
Congratulations, Natalie. I've never forgotten your story from when I heard you so openly share it at MTH. You are so strong and it's amazing how God is using you to share your story with others to bring awareness. You're AMAZE! Congrats!
Melissa October 7, 2012 7:26 pm

Rachel Whetten:
COngrats Friend!!!!!!!!! You deserve it! You are amazing and a great example to me. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of focusing on what is important in my life, the little things and little people, etc Praying you are feeling better soon! October 8, 2012 10:11 am

Ashley D.:
This is so amazing Natalie! I'm glad to see your platform for inspiring others keeps growing. And I LOVE that you kept it real and went on stage without your shoes - Hawaiian all the way! ;-) I would love to see a photo of that! Love you girl! October 8, 2012 11:17 am

Janae @ Bring-Joy:
Congrats Natalie! I'm so sorry you've been sick. Ah, that is hard, hard, hard. Especially when everyone (your kids!) depends on your energy & vitality. Sounds like you're feeling better?
Also, so where were the Emmy's--L.A.? I saw a few episodes of you in the Generations Project--you were fab & I'm not surprised you won the award. Awesome job. (& I love that you went up there barefoot!). October 9, 2012 8:11 am

Sarah:
So glad you have resurfaced. Have truly missed your presence online, but we Moms have to do what we gotta do to keep things moving forward. Hope you will be back in a regular capacity soon. CONGRATULATIONS. How rewarding to have such a special part of your life recognized with an honor. A double blessing! October 12, 2012 9:15 pm

Laurenbythesea:
You write about life in such a heartfelt and honest way it is so refreshing. Thank you for writing this post. It has reminded me of something so important and for that I cant thank you enough. Lauren :) October 23, 2012 1:11 pm

pink designer dresses:
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your blog?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having oone
or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space itt out better? September 30, 2014 6:30 pm